Can IBD cause blood in stool?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have an 8-year-old son. He has been having mucus with blood in his stool for a year. I examined his stool, and the occult blood test was positive. I treated him with a one-week antibiotic therapy with metronidazole and cefixime. But It comes back. So I went to a pediatrician. He did a colonoscopy, and it said he had colitis in the recto-sigmoid area. He prescribed another round of antibiotics with Metronidazole. It did not improve his health. I went to another doctor, and he examined him. He said that it was a food allergy and prescribed cetirizine, but still no recovery. I showed him to the allergy doctor and learned about his food allergy. I did my best to avoid these foods, but still no response.

I took him back to the first doctor. It has been four days for his new medication. Cortenema, Metronidazole and Mesalazine as enema. Still no progress. The last doctor said it is probably IBD. But he has just had mucoid-hidden blood stool and no other symptoms. Does he have no stomach pain ? His gluten intolerance exam is negative.

Kindly help me with my child.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per the limited information provided, the diagnosis is not very clear.

I would like to know the following few answers -

Is he growing well?
Has he lost any weight during this period of one year?
Does he complain of any other problems like too much sweating or pain while passing motion?
Is he passing motion daily?
Does he feel like going for defecation after each meal?
Is there any change in his appetite?
Has he undergone any imaging studies like sonography, intestinal follow-through studies, CT/MRI (computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging), or abdomen?

They must have done some other test, apart from colonoscopy, related to IBD (irritable bowel disorder). If so, please share all the reports.

If he is otherwise doing well, not complaining of any discomfort, eating well, playful and growing well, then wait and watch. Share full details and I will advise you for further steps and management.

Else I suggest you consult a pediatric gastroenterologist, go for complete blood test and imaging studies to come to a final diagnosis, then only to plan for the treatment.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.